Italy host Portugal on Saturday night at the San Siro. The Nations League A Group 3 rivals will play with a chance to qualify for next summer’s playoffs on the line.
Portugal go into the fixture needing a draw to qualify while Italy need a win to keep their hopes alive. The Azzurri will also need Poland to defeat Portugal in their final group stage match to make the playoffs. The Polish have already been relegated to League B having gained just one point.
Roberto Mancini’s team has won just once in the Nations League. That victory came against Poland in their last match. Full-back Cristiano Biraghi scored in the second minute of stoppage-time to give Italy the win. Mancini will hope the team can get a goal much earlier in the match, but thus far, goals have been hard to come by. Italy have scored just twice in three Nations League games.
The Azzurri continues to shift toward younger players. Midfielders Stefano Sensi and Sandro Tonali have both been called into the squad for the first time. Tonali is just 18-years old and will most likely watch the Nations League game from the sidelines. It is more likely the two midfielders will play in Italy’s friendly against the United States next week. Their inclusion, however, shows Mancini’s desire to find young, hungry players.
Portugal defeated Italy in their previous Nations League match, 1-0. Fernando Santos’ team is brimming with confidence as they have gained six points from six without Cristiano Ronaldo in the team.
Portugal’s key players Raphael Guerreiro, Jose Fonte, and Joao Mario are all fit and ready to play. However, Everton midfielder Andre Gomes has been sent home due to another injury.
Santos’ team has found the back of the net four times in the Nations League. Portugal did only manage one goal against Italy the last time around. The Portuguese defence was able to keep a clean sheet against the Azzurri in their previous game.
Italy must win the match to have a chance of going through. This should leave the Azzurri open at the back. Portugal, who have shown an ability to counter attack with style this year, will be able to get a goal thanks to Italy’s need to score. The Azzurri should be able to find the back of the net as well, but Portugal will do enough and get the draw they seek for progression.